A Thrilling Narrative of Indian Captivity: Dispatches from the Dakota War

Chapter Twelve

182 Our readers may think it strange that Paul should tie up his son, but prudence demanded it; for had the boy succeeded he would have endangered the lives of all the friendly Indians. CAmp hope, Sept. 22, 1862. Gen. Sibley: Hon. Sir—The Lower Bands are holding a council this forenoon, and are desirous to have us join them; but knowing them to be false-hearted we prefer holding our own councils and sending our own letters. We have more captives with us now than the rebels, for they keep coming to us for protection, and we are in danger of having a battle in consequence . We have been betrayed about the white flag; have one ready, but our enemies say if we raise it they will hoist one too, and as soon as your troops arrive they will fire into them, making you believe we are all your enemies, and so get us killed in that way. You cannot realize the bitter hatred they manifest towards us for trying to aid the poor captives and not joining in the massacre. We are going to move our camp to-day out on the broad prairie, as you responded in your letter to Wabaxa. Sir, we are exceedingly anxious for the arrival of your troops. We still put our trust in Him who is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto him. Yours, respectfully, Paul. CHAPTER T WELVE165 CAmp looKouT, SepT. 22, 1862. We are now on the lookout for Gen. Sibley, having heard the joyful news that he has started from Fort Ridgley. The rebels keep a constant watch of the troops. Some of them have reported around camp that Gen. Sibley A Thrilling nArrATive of indiAn CApTiviTy 183 is marching forward with a small army, composed chiefly of old men and little boys, and say they are anxious for him to come on; that it will be fine play; and they can get plenty of powder and shot, besides a quantity of flour. The more truthful state that there must be over a regiment.166 The rebels are preparing to meet Gen. Sibley. As we cannot hasten the General’s march by being idle, we will make an attempt to tell what has been going on among the friendly bands. You recollect Paul was going to move on to the prairie.167 Deputies were appointed to confer with the different bands in order to determine the place to encamp. It soon became apparent that the bands stood in fear of each other. The Yellow Medicine people said if we joined with the lower bands we should excite Little Crow to a battle before the white troops arrived. In this dilemma the Hazlewood Republic, with whom we were, went a short distance from the lower bands that had declared themselves friendly. After a long consultation, the others joined Wa-ke-an-no-pa, or Two Thunder, a civilized Indian who acted an honest and wise part, we believe, during the massacre, his very countenance showing his innocence. He is an influential man, and with Paul, Muzo-mo-my, Akepa, and others, took an active part in trying to make peace and to restore to their homes those captives that had not been bereft of friends and homes, and the others to the white people to be provided for.168 Before night the friendly Indians all united and all parties, (captive women not excepted,) went to digging entrenchments, or rather sinking pits inside of their tents, to defend themselves from the rebels in case of an attack, expecting one hourly. Camp Lookout, Sept. 23, 1862. Gen. Sibley: Dear Sir—We, the undersigned, Paul, Akepa, Muzo-mo-my, and the three chiefs, are driven by the rebels to either go down with them to the battle to-day, or engage them in one here.169 We think it safest for the captives and our own families to go. The rebels say we must take the front of the battle; that we have not borne any burdens of the war, A Thrilling nArrATive of indiAn CApTiviTy 184 but they will drive us to it.170 We hope to get one side [sic], so as to join you or raise the flag of truce. If not able to do this we hope to return to our families and rescue them. We have tried every possible way of giving...